The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is proud to announce Kennedy Cherrington and Daly Cherry-Evans as the two Dennis Tutty Award winners for 2024.
The Dennis Tutty Award is awarded annually to a current rugby league player who has demonstrated outstanding:
- leadership on and off the field;
- commitment to their fellow players & to the advancement and protection of their rights, and;
- service and dedication to the game of rugby league.
Daly Cherry-Evans has been General President of the RLPA since 2021. During that time, he has shown exceptional leadership in the game as captain of his club and state, and he has also successfully and confidently juggled those responsibilities with his ongoing and crucial roles at the RLPA.
He continues to be an invaluable and willing RLPA Delegate, Men's Player Advisory Group Member, Board Director, and continues to take on the huge responsibility of the RLPA's General President, a role he has held since the COVID-19 pandemic and during the most recent CBA negotiations.
Daly is vital in ensuring the players' interests are well represented, advanced and protected and has a track record of impressive achievements for the RLPA. All of this has been done with unwavering commitment to the players and rugby league.
"In 2021, Daly stepped into his role as General President during the COVID pandemic, one of the most tumultuous times in the history of rugby league and the modern world," said Clint Newton, Chief Executive Officer of the RLPA.
"He did so with professional, reliable and strong leadership, continually standing up for what is fair for players and the game.
"During his tenure, Daly has often stood bravely at risk of public scrutiny and calmly presented the facts and details of particular issues.
"From COVID, to above-forecast negotiations, and the player actions during the 2023 CBA negotiations, Daly has been a bold leader of the RLPA that NRL and NRLW players can rely upon to be their leader in crisis.
"On a personal level, Daly has always provided me with sound advice and direction to ensure I am fulfilling my obligations to the players and in my role as CEO and Managing Director on the RLPA Board."
Kennedy Cherrington has consistently shown exceptional leadership as an RLPA Delegate and Women's Player Advisory Group member both during the collective bargaining negotiations and in her club.
During the CBA, Kennedy was an integral public voice advocating for players' rights in seeking the game's first joint-CBA for NRL and NRLW players while also being a keen contributor to the RLPA's strategy.
Since then, Kennedy continues to support RLPA staff with her attendance at meetings, providing integral feedback and advocating for the players at her club. Kennedy's willingness to "call it as she sees it" has been to the benefit of players across the game.
"Kennedy is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Dennis Tutty Award," said Clint Newton.
"She is an outstanding person and that is further emphasised by the leadership she shows on behalf of all players. When it comes to all the player matters we care deeply about, Kennedy is always willing to provide public support and private advocacy behind the scenes.
"What is most significant about Kennedy is she is her own person, she has strong values which she is always prepared to fight for, and she is also incredibly down to earth and a good friend to so many players.
"On behalf of the RLPA, I want to congratulate Kennedy and Daly on being awarded the Dennis Tutty Awards for the 2024 seasons."
2024 Dennis Tutty Award Nominees (NRLW)
- Madison Bartlett
- Chelsea Lenarduzzi
- Tallisha Harden
2024 Dennis Tutty Award Nominees (NRL)
- Shaun Lane
- Felise Kaufusi
- Chad Townsend
- Nicho Hynes
Dennis Tutty Award Winners
2024 Kennedy Cherrington (NRLW)
2024 Daly Cherry-Evans (NRL)
2023 Chelsea Lenarduzzi (NRLW)
2023 Wade Graham (NRL)
2022 Hannah Southwell (NRLW)
2022 Wade Graham (NRL)
2021 Ali Brigginshaw (NRLW)
2021 Christian Welch (NRL)
2020 Blake Green
2019 David Gower
2018 Jason Nightingale
2017 James Maloney
2016 Dene Halatau
2015 Tom Symonds
2014 Nate Myles
2013 Clint Newton
2012 Robbie Farah
2011 Andrew Ryan
2010 Petero Civoniceva
2009 Michael Gordon
2008 Jason King
About Dennis Tutty
Dennis Tutty played rugby league long before the days of full-time professionalism. Before colour TV, Tina Turner and the NRL. When players played almost exclusively for their local clubs and, first and foremost, for their love of the game.
Unfortunately, in this romanticised era of rugby league, where the greats of Arthur Beetson and Ron Coote made their names, player rights were often a passing thought for the game's administrators.
Dennis' actions in challenging the NSWRL's transfer system in 1968, at great personal sacrifice, were not only pivotal in the emergence of a player's rights movement but paved the way for the professionals of today.
The RLPA will ensure that Dennis's legacy is never forgotten, and all players are reminded of the benefits his sacrifices provide them.
All The Players' Awards will be announced on Channel 9 on the follow dates:
September 23: Players' Dream Team from the NRL
September 29: Players' Rookie of the Year (NRL and NRLW)
September 30: Players' Dream Team from the NRLW
October 6: The Players' Champion (NRL and NRLW)
